1936 Gibson Trojan

1936 Gibson Trojan

The first Trojan shipped in October of 1936 and was marked in the Gibson Shipping ledgers as "Trojan."  This guitar has now been confirmed in the old Gibson ledgers as...
The first appearance of the Epiphone Texan - c.1958

The first appearance of the Epiphone Texan - c.1958

These guitars baffled me for some time with their odd features.  I tried to get my hands on one but I just couldn't find an early example.  This 1958 Texan...
1961 Silvertone 1446L

1961 Silvertone 1446L

One of the greatest guitars Harmony (Silvertone) ever made was the 1446L commonly referred to as the "Chris Isaak" model.  Chris posed with this model for a couple of advertisements...
How to purchase a guitar at a guitar show..... a dealer's perspective

How to purchase a guitar at a guitar show..... a dealer's perspective

Guitar ShowsIf you live in a larger city (at least in the United States) then there may be a guitar show in your area once a year.  You are lucky!...
1952 Gibson J-45 previously owned by Johnny Meeks and Bobby Jones of His Blue Caps

1952 Gibson J-45 previously owned by Johnny Meeks and Bobby Jones of His Blue Caps

This one is real special.  I found myself one day jumping in the guitar hauler (read mini van, so rock and roll) and driving to South Carolina.  There was a...
True Vintage Giveaway!

True Vintage Giveaway!

It's here!  The True Vintage Giveaway is on.  Leave a comment and let me know, "what is your favorite vintage guitar?"  It could be one you already have or one...
Prewar Hohner Marine Band Harmonicas

Prewar Hohner Marine Band Harmonicas

I've been on a big harmonica kick lately.  A couple of years ago I happened upon an old Hohner Marine Band with a star in the circle on the back...
1947 Gibson J-50

1947 Gibson J-50

The surge in quality Spruce and skilled craftsman that came when the boys returned home in 1946 prompted the reintroduction of the Gibson J-50.  This model was simply a natural...
1967 Gibson ES-330

1967 Gibson ES-330

No, this is not the little brother of your ES-335, although the general look at model designation might lead you to think so.  The ES-330 was the next step after...
Mahogany Topped Blues Guitar: 1930 Epiphone Model 0

Mahogany Topped Blues Guitar: 1930 Epiphone Model 0

Pre-Gibson Epiphones have weighed heavy on my mind lately.  I bought this one off the Craigslist in my parent's hometown of Galatin, TN from a bluegrasser.  He didn't have much...
Question for Twitter: What is the best guitar?

Question for Twitter: What is the best guitar?

Maybe that wasn't the best way I could have worded that.  How about: 1. What guitar have you not been able to get off of your mind?2. If any guitar...
"Buyout" Period Epiphone Texans: Parts Guitars?

"Buyout" Period Epiphone Texans: Parts Guitars?

By the dawn of the 1950s, the Epiphone company was struggling with problems in both the accounting and labor departments.  The company's product line hadn't kept up with the changing...